Now that the dust has settled, the firework cinders are snuffed out, and the beer is (hopefully) out of my system, my feelings on EPCOT for New Year's Eve were vastly positive.
The gf and I did MK last year, didn't have problems getting since we got there for the first ferry over, but it was an absolute mob scene and from what I remember the CMs were either very flustered, annoyed, some other version of negative and weren't too keen to keep it under the surface. I'm glad to hear that that generally wasn't the issue this year.
This, being my first NYE in EPCOT, I wasn't sure what to expect. We got there around 3pm and had no trouble getting in, parked fairly close to the gate, and while the wait times for rides were long and there were definitely crowds, it didn't seem to get really packed until maybe 7pm, give or take.
I figured the "Dance Parties" we're going to be like those generic ones you see during the Christmas party, or at the stage in Disney Springs, but I was genuinely impressed by the varied performances throughout the park.
I feel like I caught a couple repeated themes from the DJs that I heard (didn't do the silent one... Already waited 25min for my gf's margarita in Mexico so I wasn't about to wait again in those crowds) so I'm not sure if they were playing their own sets, or if there were parameters that they were adhering to. I'm not big into that kind of music, so unfortunately I'm not very knowledgable on it.
I loved the music at the American pavilion. I watched from the back of the amphitheater and seeing not only the band literally grooving and moving together on stage but seeing the guests cutting the rug like there was no tomorrow brought a huge smile to my face. I got a little dance in and showed some of the skills I've picked up at my history of Phish shows (commence jokes. Go ahead
) and really enjoyed the energy there.
The lasers in Italy were intense (the last time I saw Illuminations was last year so THAT also blew me away), and the dragon and pyrotechnics in China were very cool. I walked by the Africa pavilion and a guest put on a show on the drums which the crowds seemed to enjoy as well.
I would say the CMs ranged from slightly annoyed to totally into the celebration, so while we'd love to have 100% commitment, I'll take what I can get compared to last year.
I was able to meet a friend from my WoW days (about a decade ago) in person for the first time so that was great, and unfortunately I couldn't see a friend that was on his last shift for the college program over near Mouse Gear.
Got a spot in Germany and could see some of the MK fireworks to the left of SSE, and could just barely make out the fireworks from DHS from behind the trees and the Italy pavilion.
The New Year countdown fireworks really gave me a sense of perspective, and the Auld Lang Syne section of the show blew me away.
All in all, a very positive experience, and while I try not to fanboi and be objective, there really were few complaints. Even the drunk people were generally bearable. Except those that had those stupid a** kazoos and were making as much noise as possible during the fireworks shows.
And, as already discussed in this thread, leaving the parking lot was a total disaster. No need to reiterate any of that.
Anyway. Take it for what you will! Just my two cents on the evening
